Valve’s Steam Deck is basically a handheld gaming PC, so naturally there are going to be users who want to install the newest version of Windows onto it. However, Microsoft’s push for security in Windows 11 means a lot of systems either aren’t compatible or will need a firmware/BIOS update in order to run it. This throws Steam Deck’s ability to run Microsoft’s upcoming operating system into doubt, but Valve has assured PC Gamer that it’s making Windows support a high priority. The reason so many issues are cropping up surrounding Windows 11 compatibility is because Microsoft will be requiring Trusted Program Module (TPM) 2.0 support. While most newer machines have the means to support TPM, they don’t have the function enabled by default. So, in order to run Windows 11 properly, many users will have to either download a new BIOS for their system, manually enable support, or install a new motherboard. Valve clearly doesn’t want Steam Deck customers to have to jump through any of these hoops if they decide they want to install Windows 11. It has begun working with AMD, the company behind Steam Deck’s Zen 2/RDNA 2 APU, to ensure the system will be ready for Windows 11 at launch. It’s likely that most users will be content with Valve’s own SteamOS 3.0, which will come standard, but those who’d like to install a new OS still will have the option.
